In-situ TEM Observations of Atomic Scale Dynamics at Solid-Liquid Interfaces

Role: We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to fill a PhD studentship on a 3.5 year project funded by the School of Physical Sciences to support the recent arrival of Professor Nigel D. Browning at the University of Liverpool. The project will build on Professor Browning’s 20+ years of experience in the design and implementation of new methods for materials characterization in the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and will involve experimental observations using the new and unique Bayesian in-situ imaging capabilities at the University of Liverpool. As part of the project there will be opportunities to travel and use national/international user facilities.

Project: The physics of dynamic processes at solid-liquid interfaces controls many important processes important to modern society – such as clean energy generation, conversion and storage, environmental degradation mechanisms and biophysical interactions. Understanding how atoms move at solid-liquid interfaces can help improve energy efficiency, reduce environmental concerns, and lead to innovations in drug delivery and personalized medicine. New methods in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allow solid-liquid interfaces to be imaged and analysed directly during functional conditions. The goal of this project is to optimize the acquisition of these images using compressive sensing, inpainting and machine learning and establish a new materials design/application methodology applicable to a wide range of technological processes. The experimental facilities for these observations are unique within the UK, making the majority of these observations new and providing numerous opportunities for collaborations with industry and national/international research facilities.

Person: The successful candidate will have at least a 2:1 Bachelors, or preferably Masters, degree in Physics. The ideal candidate will have experience in using advanced instrumentation and an interest in mathematical/computational methods would be an advantage.

Applications should be made as soon as possible and no later than 31st August 2018.